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Strawberries and oatmeal go together like Sundays and brunch. They have been a beloved pair for centuries, with strawberries originally harvested in ancient Rome for their medicinal properties and oatmeal gaining popularity in Scotland during the Middle Ages. However, it was not until the 20th century that this delightful combo found its way into the hearts and kitchens of people all over the world. Today, what could be more comforting than a Recipe that combines the nutritious wholesomeness of oats and the sweet, tangy succulence of strawberries? Our Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are a modern, sophisticated take on this classic combination, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.

Our version of Strawberry Oatmeal Bars has a unique twist that sets them apart. We’ve dialed back on refined sugars, allowing the natural sweetness of ripe, juicy Strawberries to shine through. The oats are toasted to perfection, adding a subtle nuttiness to the mix, and the dough is given a dash of vanilla for an extra layer of flavor. The result is a delightful symphony of taste: the fruity, tart strawberries are balanced by the rich, hearty oatmeal, and finished with a hint of sweetness from a drizzle of honey.

The experience of biting into one of these bars is nothing short of heavenly. The firm yet crumbly oatmeal base gives way to a succulent, velvety strawberry filling, making every bite a delightful mix of textures. Serve these bars warm, perhaps with a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Or, enjoy them as they are – they’re just as delicious. Our Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are not just a sweet treat, they’re a celebration of a timeless culinary duo, promising a tantalizing experience for your taste buds!

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups ripe strawberries (hulled and quartered)
• 2 cups rolled oats (toasted to perfection)
• 1 cup flour (can use whole wheat for a healthier option)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar or other sweetener)
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup honey (for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for dough)

Seasonings and Spices

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Optional Toppings

• to taste Greek yogurt (for serving at breakfast)
• to taste vanilla ice cream (for serving at dessert)

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
   Tip: Always preheat your oven before you start preparing the ingredients to save time.
2. Rinse the strawberries under cold water, remove the stems and dice them into small pieces.
   Tip: Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
3. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.
   Tip: Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Then, add it to the oat mixture along with the honey and vanilla extract.
   Tip: Make sure the butter is not too hot when adding it to prevent the oats from cooking prematurely.

Cooking Instructions

1. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking dish, creating a firm, even layer.
   Tip: Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the mixture.
2. Layer the diced strawberries evenly over the oat mixture in the baking dish.
   Tip: For an even sweeter treat, you can sprinkle a little extra brown sugar on top of the strawberries.
3. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the strawberries, pressing it lightly into an even layer.
   Tip: Be gentle when pressing the top layer to keep the strawberries intact.
4. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the strawberries are bubbling.
   Tip: Use a toothpick to check the doneness. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready.

Finishing Touches

1. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
   Tip: Allowing the bars to cool will make them easier to cut and serve.
2. Cut the cooled bars into squares.
   Tip: A sharp knife will make this process easier and neater.
3. Serve the bars warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
   Tip: You can also enjoy these bars as they are, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.